Obituary of Joseph T. DePalma

ILION - Joseph (Joe) T. DePalma, 76, of Ilion, NY, passed away peacefully in the early hours of Wednesday, May 1, 2019.

Joe was born on February 20, 1943, to Louis and Angelina (Casale) DePalma, in Herkimer, NY.  He was a graduate of Herkimer High School in 1960 and Syracuse University in 1964. Joe spent most of his adult life working in the manufacturing industry, most notably as the Vice President of Fermer Precision, in Cedarville, NY.  In his later years, he decided to live out his dream of selling motorcycles, working at Harley Davidson of Utica, until his retirement in 2015. 

Joe was known for his quick wit, animated storytelling and musical talent. For many years he tended bar and played piano at various Central New York haunts.

He shared a very close relationship with his brother, Thomas “Chugger” DePalma, who was with Joe until the very end. The hilarious stories of their youth attest to their special bond.

Joe’s greatest accomplishments were his three children. They were the light of his life. Anyone that talked to Joe would often hear him gushing about them - sometimes endlessly!  He was one of those quite unforgettable fathers, and his children will cherish him always.

Joe is survived by his brother, Thomas (Laurie) DePalma, of Whitesboro, NY; his children, Rachele (Chris) DePalma, of Clinton, NY, Ryan (Leigh Ann) DePalma, of Santa Monica, CA, and Todd (Stefanie) DePalma, of Staten Island, NY. Joe leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins and special lifelong friends.

At Joe’s request there will be no services.  He will be interned at Calvary Cemetery in Herkimer, NY, privately with his relatives.

Joe’s loved ones would like to thank the dedicated staff at St. Luke’s Hospital for making his final days comfortable for both him and his family.

Arrangements are with The Enea Family Funeral Home, located at 220 North Washington Street, in Herkimer, New York, with Funeral Directors Harry J. & Kevin E. Enea and Martin L. Ciaccia (315) 866-1011. Online notes of sympathy may be left by visiting www.eneafamily.com on the Internet.